What to as a therapist during a consult call
Questions to Ask a Therapist in a Consult Call
Finding the right therapist is an essential step in your mental health journey. A consultation call—typically a brief, free phone or video call—offers a chance to ask important questions and determine if the therapist is a good fit for your needs. To make the most of this time, consider asking the following questions:
1. What is your experience with my specific concerns?
Every therapist has different areas of expertise. If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or perinatal mental health, for example, you want to ensure the therapist has experience and training in those areas. You might ask:
“Do you have experience working with clients who have [your specific concern]?”
“What approaches do you use to treat [your issue]?”
2. What therapeutic approaches do you use?
Therapists use different modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Somatic Therapy, or Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Understanding their approach can help you decide if it aligns with your needs.
“What therapeutic modalities do you use in your practice?”
“How do you decide which approach to take with a client?”
3. What is your availability and scheduling process?
It’s important to find a therapist whose schedule aligns with yours. Some therapists have long waitlists, while others may offer flexible scheduling options, including evening or weekend sessions.
“What are your typical session hours?”
“Do you have a waitlist, and if so, how long is the wait?”
“Do you offer in-person, virtual, or hybrid sessions?”
4. What are your fees and insurance options?
Understanding the cost of therapy upfront can help you plan for your treatment. If you plan to use insurance, confirm whether they accept your provider.
“What is your session rate?”
“Do you accept insurance, and if so, which plans?”
“Do you offer sliding-scale fees?”
5. What is your approach to goal setting and progress tracking?
A good therapist will collaborate with you on setting goals and tracking your progress over time.
“How do you work with clients to set therapy goals?”
“How do you measure progress?”
6. What is your communication style between sessions?
Some therapists offer email or text check-ins between sessions, while others limit communication to scheduled appointments.
“Do you provide any support between sessions?”
“What is your policy on responding to emails or calls?”
7. What is your cancellation policy?
Life happens, and sometimes you may need to reschedule an appointment. Understanding the therapist’s cancellation policy can prevent unexpected fees.
“What is your cancellation or rescheduling policy?”
“Do you charge for missed sessions?”
8. What should I expect in my first few sessions?
Getting a sense of what the initial sessions will look like can ease any anxiety about starting therapy.
“What does a typical first session with you look like?”
“How do you structure the first few sessions?”
Final Thoughts
A consult call is an opportunity to ensure that a therapist’s experience, style, and logistics align with your needs. By asking these questions, you can make a more informed decision about beginning therapy. Remember, finding the right therapist is about fit, and it’s okay to continue searching until you find the best match for you!
